“Its always a pleasure to receive prominent guests, and we look forward to showing the US Secretary of Energy clean and renewable hydropower production here at the Ulla-Førre plant,” says power plant manager Bjørn Sandvik.

Much to learn

Steven Chu was invited to visit Norwegian power plants when he met with Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Riis-Johansen earlier this autumn. This coming Saturday those plans will become reality as Secretary Chu travels to the Ulla-Førre hydropower scheme.

The U.S. Secretary of Energy will visit Norway’s largest pumped-storage power station at Saurdal and the country’s largest power station measured in capacity, Kvilldal. Power plant manager Bjørn Sandvik believes Chu can learn a lot.
“Ulla-Førre is a fine example of flexible hydropower, and facilities such as this will facilitate the development of other renewable energy sources on a grand scale, such as wind and solar power. Hydropower has a unique storage property and can easily be increased or decreased as needed. This means hydropower can be produced when there’s no wind or sun,” Sandvik says.

Norwegian technology demonstration

Following the power plant visits, Secretary Chu will travel to Mongstad, where he will take a closer look at Norwegian technology for carbon capture and storage. Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Riis-Johansen believes the visit will be useful.                                
“Norway is the world leader on carbon capture and storage and eco-friendly hydropower production. My ambition is for Norwegian technology to make a positive contribution to solving the global climate issues. I wish to demonstrate some of the things Norway can contribute. To have Secretary Chu visit while the climate summit is under way in Copenhagen is especially useful.”

Steven Chu is a scientist and received the Nobel Price in physics in 1997. He is an alternative energy advocate, as well as a supporter of nuclear energy, and believes the consumption of fossil fuels must be reduced significantly. Chu has served as the U.S. Secretary of Energy since 21 January 2009.